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A Spartan Profile: Casey Knauss

Sep 21, 2008

Editor's Note: This is the first in a series of profiles of
York College Student-Athletes. These profiles will run throughout
the school year and highlight student-athletes that excel in both
the classroom and their chosen sport.

If it was easy, everyone would do it.
If everyone did it like York College field
hockey player Casey Knauss,
college athletics would be far better off.
Knauss is a senior midfielder for the York
College Spartans. However, just knowing her class, her sport and
her position hardly do justice to a student-athlete that is exactly
that, an outstanding student and a great athlete.
Knauss came to York College from St.
Michael’s, Md. and Easton High School where she was a
two-sport standout. The search for a college began with a focus on
the academic program followed by the opportunity to continue her
athletic career.
“I always believed that my educational
experience is the most critical thing to me,” says Knauss.
“However, athletics is still a very important part of my
life. I believe many of my fellow student-athletes feel that way. I
focused on Division III schools from the start of my college
search. I wanted a great academic experience combined with the
ability to keep playing competitive field hockey.”
Knauss, who is a psychology major, has found
success both in the classroom and on the field. Academically,
Knauss sports a GPA of 3.5. She is a member of Psi-Chi national
psychology honor society and also a member of the Psychology Club.
The organization features professional development for members and
the latest news in the world of psychology.
Athletically, Knauss was an All-Capital
Athletic Conference selection as a defender in 2006 and then as a
midfielder in 2007. She has played in and started 68 career games
and has scored nine points on two goals and five assists. While her
offense numbers don’t standout, her contributions to the
program are immeasurable. She is a three-year captain whose
leadership and dedication to her sport provides a standard for her
teammates and fellow athletes.
“This program is very meaningful to
me,” says Knauss. “My teammates and our coaches work
very hard to make us the best that we can be. I am really excited
about the potential of our team this year.”
Knauss also contributes to the athletic program
off the field. She is the vice-president of the Student Athlete
Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C.), the student-athlete voice at York
College. She serves as the President of the Capital Athletic
Conference arm of the S.A.A.C.
“I believe it is important to get
involved,” states Knauss. “That is one of the big
advantages of a place like York College. I am deeply involved in my
studies, my professional organizations, and our field hockey
program but I still have the opportunity to represent my fellow
student-athletes as a member of S.A.A.C.”
Knauss feels that the York campus is a perfect
fit for her.
“This is a very friendly place. I feel
like I have had so many opportunities, both academically and
athletically. The campus is easy to get around and the Grumbacher
Center has provided our campus with a wonderful recreational
facility for all of our students.”
While the opportunity to become involved
presents itself on campus, there are other aspects of York College
that Knauss really enjoys.
“York College has provided me with a very
well rounded college experience. I can’t imagine getting a
better academic and athletic experience anywhere else.”
Athletically, Knauss believes the York College
athletic department gets what Division III athletics is all
about.
“The entire staff is truly dedicated to
giving the student-athletes the best experience possible. The staff
is interested as you, not just as an athlete, but also as a person.
The interaction I have had with the staff has been incredibly
positive. I also have been overwhelmed by the support that fellow
student-athletes have shown to each other. The interaction with
other student-athletes has been something I have really
enjoyed.”
Knauss is in the process of working towards
life after York College.
“I am currently applying to
masters’ programs in school psychology. I want to work with
an educational population when I complete school. Having the
ability to help others is something that I have always wanted to
do.”
Knauss believes her York College experience
will prepare her well in her chosen profession.
“I feel incredibly prepared as a person
and as a professional. York College has given me the opportunity to
grow as a person, a student, and an athlete. For that, I am
grateful.”

Athletic Department
York College of Pennsylvania
441 Country Club Road
York, PA 17403-3651
(717) 815-1780